Festival Casting: Full Company announced for 2017 Anne™ Revival

May 9, 2017

George Masswohl to play Matthew, Susan Henley as Marilla; Josée Boudreau as Miss Stacey

(Charlottetown, P.E.I.) - Complete casting has been announced for Anne of Green Gables-The MusicalTM at The Charlottetown Festival. The Adam Brazier-directed production is undergoing a major three-year revival, with new sets, costumes, sound design, even a new Green Gables house, and many more surprises to be unveiled over the next three summers.

The 2017 cast is anchored by AJ Bridel as Anne Shirley, with PEI's Aaron Hastelow as her foil and sometimes love interest, Gilbert Blythe. Joining them as Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert are George Masswohl and Susan Henley. Other leads include Josée Boudreau as Miss Stacey, Marlane O'Brien as Rachel Lynde, Katie Kerr as Diana Barry, and newcomer to the Festival, Kelsey Falconer as Josie Pye.

Sponsored by RE/MAX Charlottetown, the internationally acclaimed musical opens its 53rd season on June 26 in the Homburg Theatre. The Charlottetown Festival is sponsored by CIBC.

Masswohl is a five-time Dora Award nominee and a regular at Stratford and Shaw Festivals. He has performed across Canada with his baritone trio, BRAVŪRA, and returns to Charlottetown after performing in Johnny Belinda in 1998. "I am very happy to be returning. I can't wait to walk the same streets and tread the same boards as the many great actors who have played Matthew before me," he remarks.

"P.E.I. carries great significance in my life," he continues. "My mother - another Anne with an E - as a girl, was so transported by L.M. Montgomery's work that she took her first opportunity to emigrate from Scotland to Canada. She wouldn't set foot on the island of her dreams until that summer I was at the Festival. I'm hoping she'll be able to make the trip this season. It would be a great honour to bring Matthew to life in her presence."

Henley returns to the Festival following turns in Spoon River, Evangeline, Canada ROCKS! and as Mrs. Lynde in Anne of Green Gables-The MusicalTM. The Saskatchewan native has performed in all major theatres across Canada and the United States, including three seasons at Stratford.